The GS-7 level of this Legal Instruments Examiner position is developmental and leads to the GS-8 level. The primary difference between the GS-7 level and GS-8 levels is in the areas of supervisory control and level of responsibility.

At the full performance level of this position (GS-8), the employee performs the full range of journeyman Rehabilitation Reimbursement Technician duties, including the final authorization of Milestone Payments, Outcome Payments, and reimbursement claims pursuant to Titles II, and XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended, and Public Law 106-170 Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. The incumbent reviews and makes final determinations on claims submitted by Employment Networks (EN), State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (VRA), and Alternate Providers (AP) for reimbursement under SSA's vocational rehabilitation program and the Outcome-Milestone payment system, independently performing a wide range of reimbursement/payment case development actions. Assignments consist of processing more complex cases where analysis of pertinent issues and interpretation of the provisions of the laws, regulations, rulings, precedents, policies, procedures and guidelines relative to the reimbursement cases are necessary.

Important: Two (2) positions will be filled between the GS-7 and GS-8 levels.

NOTE: Your resume must specifically address the evaluation criteria for the position. This information is instrumental in determining the highest quality candidates to be referred to the Selecting Official. If your application materials do not demonstrate the competencies and experience needed for this position, your application will be ineligible for consideration.

Reviews expenditures claimed and determine whether they are within the reimbursable period; whether the costs are consistent with the SSA/VR agreement, Ticket to Work Legislation, or AP guidelines; and whether costs are properly computed for the reimbursable period.

Prorates costs that span several months, as necessary.

Compiles data for special workload reports and for presentations at meetings and conferences when required.

On own initiative, composes complex and/or technical correspondence to EN, AP, VRA, and various SSA components, relating to a wide variety of matters.

Ensures that files are clearly annotated.

Travel Required

Not Required

Relocation Authorized

No

Job Requirements

Key Requirements

U.S. Citizenship Required.

Selective Service Registration, if applicable.

Background and/or Security Investigation Required.

Selectees are required to serve a 1 year probationary period.

Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the closing date.

Qualifications

To qualify for the GS-7 level, applicants must have 52 weeks of experience at the GS-6 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled which has equipped applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience should include work that involves the (1) examination of legal instruments and supporting documents, other than claims; (2) application of legal regulatory and procedural knowledge; and (3) determination whether a requested action complies with the corresponding laws.
To qualify for the GS-8 level, applicants must have 52 weeks of experience at the GS-7 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled which has equipped applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience should include work that involves leadership in and supervision of the (1) examination of legal instruments and supporting documents, other than claims; (2) application of legal regulatory and procedural knowledge; and (3) determination whether a requested action complies with the corresponding laws.In addition, applicants for either grade level must meet theSelective Placement Factor: Knowledge of disability programs, policies, and procedures. To demonstrate this skill, applicants must have two [2] out of the following three [3] experience indicators:

Experience examining legal, medical, and other supporting documents in order to accurately and timely process reimbursement payments.

Experience conducting analyses of social insurance or income maintenance disability program policies and procedures in order to make determinations on claims for reimbursement.

NOTE: Your resume must specifically address the experiences needed for each selective placement factor. This information is instrumental in determining the highest quality candidates to be referred to the Selecting Official.

Skill in conducting analysis and research, and applying rules and regulations to various reimbursement and/or payment programs.

Skill in planning, organizing, and leading projects. (GS-8 only)

Security Clearance

Not Applicable

Additional Information

What To Expect Next

Once you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Result of qualifications review; (3) Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (4) Selected/Not Selected for the position.

Other Information

Individuals with disabilities may call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

The complete Application Package must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Friday, May 16, 2014. Failure to upload any required documents will disqualify your application from consideration.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.

How You Will Be Evaluated

The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire, which is designed to capture the desired competencies for this position. Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. To preview the questions, click the following link: View Assessment Questions

Your application will be evaluated under the Category Rating method, based on your responses to the Assessment Questions. If you meet the basic requirements for the position, your application will be evaluated and placed into one of three categories: 1 - Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements. 2 - Well Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and demonstrate a satisfactory level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. 3 - Best Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and demonstrate a high level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Candidates eligible for veterans' preference will be placed ahead of other candidates in the appropriate category for which they have been rated. Additionally, preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent and who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements will automatically be placed in the Best Qualified Category.

Required Documents

You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference under competitive procedures, submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other proof of eligibility. To be acceptable, the document must show Character of Service. As required by the SF-15, ten point veterans must submit a letter from the VA noting their percentage of disability and any other documentation describing the veterans discharge or retirement status. Applicants requesting derived preference must submit the Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF-15) and the documents required on this form for possible eligibility. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. For more information visit the Vet Guide.

INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): This program is for eligible displaced (or soon to be displaced) Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies. To receive selection priority, candidates must receive a rating of 85% or higher. Candidates must provide:

proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of separation, a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action (SF-50), an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated, an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated, or a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456; and